Haddonfield police team with 7–11

The Haddonfield Police Department has partnered with local 7–11 owner Mir Sajid to reward children and teens who wear helmets while riding their bikes this summer. Police officers will be handing out coupons for a free Slurpee to children riding with a helmet. The coupon can be redeemed only at the Haddonfield 7–11, located at 615 Haddon Avenue.

Sajid was first approached about the concept by Haddonfield Police Corp. Dan O’Pella. After consulting with 7–11 corporate headquarters, Sajid received approval to implement the program — one that could spread to 7–11s nationwide.

“I’m ready to jump into it,” Sajid said. “It’s good for the kids.”

Police caution children to not approach police officers, who might be engaged in other police activity, seeking the coupons. Rather, officers will approach bike riders when appropriate and present them with coupons. The program started the last day of school and will continue into the summer.

As for those bike riders found without a helmet, the bad news is that state law requires everyone 17 years of age and younger to wear helmets when riding a bike, so a court summons is possible. The good news is that the department also has secured discount coupons to the Sports Authority and Dick’s Sporting Goods that provide for $10 off a bike helmet or 10 percent off the purchase of safety equipment. Police officers will be handing out those coupons to riders this summer who are spotted not wearing a helmet.

Sajid, O’Pella and School Resource Officer Lou Bacelice put the program together.

Pictured kicking off Haddonfield’s bicycle helmet safety initiative are, in the back row from left, O’Pella, Sajid, Police Chief John Banning and Bacelice. In the front row are Michael Brady and Daniel O’Pella Jr.